The Man Across The Street: An uplifting story of love and new beginnings (The Hope Street Series Book 1)

Maybe I’m scared to be happy…Meet Hannah – she’s been her mum’s sole carer since she was eighteen. Now alone after Martha’s sudden death, Hannah feels lost in the only place she’s known as home, Hope Street. Coming up to a milestone birthday, she’s wondering what her purpose in life is.Meet Doug – a workaholic, he’s in the office from dusk ’til dawn, and then he has a heart attack. Now on the mend, he needs to de-stress his life and focus on living it, to make sure it doesn’t happen again.Doug moves to Hope Street, number 35. Hannah lives at number 34, directly opposite. From the moment they meet, there’s a spark.But there are secrets too. Hannah’s mum has been keeping something from her, her sister left over twenty years ago, and there can’t be such a simple reason why Doug has moved to Somerley. Can there?I'm a massive fan of Marcie Steele and have read all of her books so far except for Secrets, Lies & Love which is sat waiting on my kindle to be read. After reading Stirred with Love I had a three week book hangover, it affected me that much but when I heard that Marcie was back with a brand new series I was so excited and couldn't wait to read book one in the Somerley series, The Man Across the Street, and it definitely did not disappoint. Opening a Marcie Steele book is like putting on a new pair of pyjamas and fluffy slippers, you just know you will feel all cosy within minutes. I fell in love with both of the main characters, Hannah and Doug, straightaway and was praying that they would get their happy ending, you will have to read it yourselves to find out if they do, but if you like a feel good read then this one is for you. I have to say that Marcie has created a work of art once again, I am so glad that she has returned with more of her wonderful stories and I can't wait for book two!! A huge five stars from me.

Despite being a crime fiction fan, I love dipping my toes into the lighter side of fiction and Marcie Steele’s books are ones that I know I will enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed all The Somerley Series so when I heard there was to be a new series, I was rather excited.So what did I think of the new series? The one word you’ll see alot of in this review is “love” and I think that pretty much sums up what I thought…. I loved it!!I loved the way the story swaps between Hannah and Doug. Each have their baggage to bear, Hannah grieving for her mum and Doug the workaholic needing to take a time out. This builds the fuller picture of what is happening in the community of Hope Street which I’ve got to say I’d love to live in, everyone looking out for each other though knowing you’re the source of the street gossip isn’t exactly my scene…I loved the instant chemistry between Hannah and Doug. The idea of hitting it off so easily with a potential partner is so romantic for the start of a relationship. And oh the innuendo that Steele seamlessly inserts into the conversations is brilliant. Reminds me of some of the banter I’ve heard at work!The Man Across The Street is another gorgeous story from Marcie Steele. She’s injected some of that suspense she uses expertly in her crime novels to give a heartwarming tale a slight difference. I can’t wait for the next instalment from Hope Street!

I am a big fan of Mel Sherratt’s crime thrillers however I only discovered her lighter side of fiction writing as Marcie Steele during the lockdown of 2020. I am so glad I did as the light hearted storylines were just what I needed during this time.Having read the Somerly series I looked forward to the first of a new series based in Hope Street in Somerly and I wasn’t disappointed!The Man Across the Street, like all her books, drew me in from the start. The story has many twists and turns but the characters and storyline are such that you can relate to them. They are genuine and believable.The community of Hope Street is somewhere we would all like to live - where neighbours know each other, talk to each other and are interested in each other. The Man Across the Street is a really feel good story which I thoroughly enjoyed and would certainly recommend. It was just what I needed in 2020 and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

This is the first book of a new series called The Hope Street Series based on the residents of Hope Street. Although everybody knows everybody in this neighbourly street, there are secrets.Hannah, nearly 40, has just lost her mother for whom she was the sole career and Doug, 49 year old workaholic, moves to the street after suffering a heart attack.Marcie is a very good character writer, your main focus is Hannah and Doug but she has you caring about all the characters and I’m wondering whose story is next.Great introduction into a new series and I’m looking forward to discovering more about the other neighbours.